A crime-fighting parrot has saved his owner after she was pushed to the ground in a park.

Wunsy the African grey was being taken for a walk - and fly - in Sunny Hill Park, north London, on Friday when his female owner was grabbed by the shoulders and shoved.

He flapped his wings and squawked, causing the attacker to take flight towards Great North Road, Hendon.

Pc Chris Cutmore from Colindale Police Station said: "This was a random attack on a woman walking out of a park.

"Although the parrot Wunsy came to her rescue, we are obviously very keen to trace the suspect and prevent him from attacking anybody else.

"I would encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has seen the man in the local area to call police on 101 quoting reference 2407517/14. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

The attacker is a white man aged 25 to 35 with short blond hair. He was wearing beige trousers and had a dark black rucksack.